JP2009237043A - Developing device and image forming apparatus using the same - Google Patents

Abstract

<P>PROBLEM TO BE SOLVED: To provide a developing device which is capable of stably supplying toner by avoiding the adhesion of the toner to the vicinity of a developer discharge port and to provide an image forming apparatus using the developing device. <P>SOLUTION: The developing device includes: a developer storage chamber 13 which stores developer comprising at least toner and has a developer discharge port 111 for discharging the developer; a film-like developer stirring and conveying member 112b which is rotatably disposed in the developer storage chamber and discharges the developer stored in the developer storage chamber from the developer discharge port 111, while stirring the developer stored in the developer chamber; and a developer conveying path forming member which has a developer conveying member 132 for conveying the developer discharged from the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber into a developing chamber inside and is configured in such a manner that at least a part of the circumferential surface of the part corresponding to the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber, of the developer conveying member is more projected into the developer storage chamber than the developer discharge port or is on the same surface as the circumferential surface on the side of the developer storage chamber of the developer discharge port. <P>COPYRIGHT: (C)2010,JPO&INPIT

Description

  The present invention relates to a developing device and an image forming apparatus using the developing device.

Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-40788 JP 2006-301349 A JP-A-6-167880

  2. Description of the Related Art Conventionally, as a developing device used in the image forming apparatus, toner is discharged from a toner storage chamber storing toner by rotating a mixer as a toner stirring and conveying member provided in the toner storage chamber. In addition, there is a configuration in which toner discharged from the toner storage chamber is supplied to the inside of the developing chamber by a toner conveying device. The toner transport device includes a tubular toner transport path for transporting toner and a toner transport member that is disposed inside the toner transport path and transports toner. The toner transport path has a toner discharge port through which toner is discharged from the toner storage chamber on the toner storage chamber side, and toner to which toner transported in the toner transport path is supplied to the development chamber side. A supply port is provided.

  Further, in the above developing device, the mixer, which is a toner agitating and conveying member provided in the toner containing chamber, is composed of a mylar film which is a thin film made of synthetic resin provided so as to protrude along the radial direction of the rotating shaft. Is used.

  By the way, in the above developing device, the mylar film used as the toner agitating and conveying member in the toner containing chamber is constantly subjected to the toner pressure due to heat sag, plastic deformation over time, or toner storage conditions. Due to the deformation caused, the function of discharging the toner in the toner storage chamber to the toner discharge port of the toner transport path becomes insufficient, a toner wall is formed at the toner discharge port, and the mylar film is in an empty state, There is a fear that the toner may not be supplied from the toner storage chamber into the toner conveyance path, regardless of whether the toner remaining amount is sufficient in the toner storage chamber.

  Further, in the developing device, the toner adheres to the mylar film used as the toner agitating / conveying member, the toner conveying ability is lowered, and the toner supply ability from the toner discharge port is lowered. He also had fears.

  Therefore, as means for solving such technical problems, those disclosed in Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2002-40788, Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-301349, or Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 6-167880 have already been proposed. Yes.

  The toner cartridge according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 2002-40788 is a toner cartridge that stores toner for an image forming apparatus that uses electrophotography, and stores the toner and directs the toner to the image forming apparatus. A case main body having a toner discharge port to be discharged, an upstream rotary shaft rotatably supported on the upstream side of the toner discharge port of the case main body, and a flexible extending in a radial direction from the upstream rotary shaft Of the case main body, a downstream rotary shaft that is rotatably supported on the downstream side of the upstream rotary shaft of the case body, and at least the toner discharge port among the downstream rotary shafts. A flexible scraping fin extending from a position, and the agitation fin and the scraping fin are configured to have different flexibility.

Further, the developing device according to the above Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2006-301349 includes an agitating and conveying member that agitates and conveys the developer that is eccentric with respect to the rotation center and is weight-distributed;
A detachable drive transmission member for rotationally driving the agitating and conveying member;
A rotation detector for detecting a rotation state of the stirring and conveying member;
A developer loosening member disposed in a replenishment path for replenishing the developer from above the stirring and conveying member;
The remaining amount of developer is detected based on the rotation state detected by the rotation detector.

  Further, the toner replenishing device according to Japanese Patent Laid-Open No. 6-167880 has a toner container that accommodates toner, and a toner conveying and replenishing means that is configured to be rotatable and has a toner conveying portion formed in a spiral shape. In the toner replenishing device for replenishing the toner in the toner container to the developing device as necessary by rotating the toner transport replenishing means, an elastic member having a shape that does not hinder the movement of the developer is provided on the toner transporting device. It is configured to be provided at a location where the replenishing unit comes into contact with the toner conveying portion.

  By the way, the problem to be solved by the present invention is to increase the number of parts and cost due to the addition of members such as agitation fins, scraping fins or developer loosening members having different flexibility, and to add elastic members. A developing device capable of stably supplying toner by avoiding toner adhering to the vicinity of the developer discharge port without causing an increase in driving torque and torque fluctuation, and an image forming apparatus using the same Is to provide.

That is, the invention described in claim 1 includes a developer storage chamber that stores a developer made of at least toner and has a developer discharge port for discharging the developer.
A film-like developer agitating and conveying member that is rotatably disposed inside the developer containing chamber and discharges the developer contained in the developer containing chamber from the developer discharge port while stirring;
A developer transport member that transports the developer discharged from the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber into the development chamber is provided inside, and is provided at the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber of the developer transport member. At least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding part protrudes from the developer discharge port into the developer storage chamber or is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the developer discharge port on the developer storage chamber side. A developer transport path forming member;
Is a developing device.

  According to a second aspect of the present invention, in the developer conveying member, the outer diameter of the portion located at the developer discharge port of the developer containing chamber is set larger than that of the other portions. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein

  Further, in the invention described in claim 3, the developer conveying member is set such that an outer diameter of a portion located at a developer discharge port of the developer containing chamber is set larger than other portions, The diameter is set so that the diameter gradually decreases from an end portion of the portion positioned at the developer discharge port toward a portion positioned inside the developer transport path forming member. 2. The developing device according to 2.

  According to a fourth aspect of the present invention, in the developer conveying member, a portion located at the developer discharge port of the developer containing chamber has a larger outer diameter than the other portions and has a drum shape. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is formed.

  Further, in the invention described in claim 5, in the developer conveying member, a portion of the developer containing chamber located at the developer discharge port is more protruded toward the developer containing chamber than the other portions. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is displaced.

  According to a sixth aspect of the present invention, the developer conveying member is made of a flexible material, and an outer diameter thereof is set to be constant along the developer conveying direction. The developing device according to claim 5, wherein the developing device is characterized in that:

  Further, in the invention described in claim 7, the developer transport member has a gap between the developer transport member and the inner surface of the developer transport path forming member at the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the position is set to be the same for the position portion and the other portion.

  Further, in the invention described in claim 8, the developer conveying member is set such that the pitch of the conveying blade of the portion located at the developer discharge port of the developer containing chamber is set smaller than that of the other portion. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein

  Furthermore, the invention described in claim 9 is the developer agitating / conveying member, wherein the developer conveying member has a portion located in the developer discharge port of the developer accommodating chamber disposed in the developer accommodating chamber. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is in contact with the developing device.

The invention described in claim 10 includes an image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image information is formed on the surface;
A developer containing chamber containing at least a developer made of toner and having a developer discharge port for discharging the developer;
A film-like developer agitating and conveying member that is rotatably disposed inside the developer containing chamber and discharges the developer contained in the developer containing chamber from the developer discharge port while stirring;
The developer discharged from the developer discharge port of the developer accommodating chamber is transported to a developing chamber in which a developer bearing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image bearing member is disposed. A developer transport member is provided inside, and at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the developer transport member corresponding to the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber is disposed in the developer storage chamber from the developer discharge port. Or a developer transport path forming member that is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the developer discharge port on the developer storage chamber side,
An image forming apparatus comprising:

  According to the first aspect of the present invention, the developer can be reliably discharged from the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber to the developer transport member without adding a new member, Since the developer wall is not formed and blocked at the developer discharge port, the developer can be supplied stably.

  According to the second aspect of the present invention, the developer conveying member can be easily driven to rotate, and the developer can be supplied stably.

  Furthermore, according to the third aspect of the present invention, the developer conveying member can be easily driven to rotate, and the developer can be smoothly conveyed into the developer conveying path forming member.

  According to the fourth aspect of the present invention, the developer conveying member can be easily driven to rotate, and the developer can be smoothly conveyed into the developer conveying path forming member.

  Furthermore, according to the fifth aspect of the present invention, the developer conveying member can be easily manufactured, and the developer can be smoothly conveyed into the developer conveying path forming member.

  According to the sixth aspect of the present invention, the developer conveying member can be easily manufactured, and the developer can be smoothly conveyed into the developer conveying path forming member.

  Furthermore, according to the seventh aspect of the invention, the developer can be smoothly transported into the developer transport path forming member.

  According to the eighth aspect of the invention, the developer can be more reliably discharged from the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber.

  Furthermore, according to the ninth aspect of the present invention, it is possible to stably supply the developer by avoiding the developer from adhering to the film-like developer stirring and conveying member.

  Further, according to the invention described in claim 10, it is possible to provide an image forming apparatus having the same effect as that of claim 1.

    Embodiments of the present invention will be described below with reference to the drawings.

Embodiment 1
FIG. 2 shows a tandem type full-color printer as an image forming apparatus to which the developing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 1 denotes a main body of a tandem type full-color printer as an image forming apparatus main body. Inside the printer main body 1, an image forming unit 2 is arranged in a substantially central portion along a vertical direction. It is arranged up and down. Further, inside the full color printer main body 1, a recording medium onto which toner images of a plurality of colors formed by the image forming unit 2 are transferred is adsorbed to one side (right side in the illustrated example) of the image forming unit 2. The control unit 4 having a control circuit and the like is provided on the other side (left side in the illustrated example) of the image forming unit 2. Power supply circuit units 5 each including a high-voltage power supply circuit and the like are disposed obliquely below 2. A paper feeding device 6 for feeding recording paper 37 or the like as a recording medium is disposed at the bottom of the full color printer main body 1.

  The image forming unit 2 includes four process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K that form toner images of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) in order from the bottom. These four process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K are arranged in parallel at regular intervals along the vertical direction.

  These four process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K are configured in the same manner except for the color of the image to be formed. As shown in FIG. 2, at a predetermined rotational speed along the direction of the arrow. The surface of the photosensitive drum 8 is rotated by a photosensitive drum 8 as an image bearing member that is driven to rotate, a charging roll 9 for primary charging that uniformly charges the surface of the photosensitive drum 8, and an image exposure device 21 described later. An image exposure passage 10 for performing image exposure corresponding to each color to form an electrostatic latent image, and developing means for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 8 with a corresponding color toner. Developing device 11 and a cleaning device 12 for cleaning residual toner remaining on the photosensitive drum 8.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the image exposure apparatus 21 is configured in common to four process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K). Four semiconductor lasers 14 that emit laser beams LB based on image data of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K), and the four semiconductor lasers 14 A collimator lens 15 that collimates the four laser beams LB emitted from each other, a reflection mirror 16 that reflects the laser beam LB emitted from the semiconductor laser 14, and a laser beam LB reflected by the reflection mirror 16. The rotary polygon mirror 17 that deflects and scans the laser beam LB reflected by the rotary polygon mirror 17 and the image forming units 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K. A plurality of reflecting mirrors 18, 19 for scanning exposure on the photosensitive drum 8, and is configured with a transparent glass 20 that transmits the laser beam LB. The reflection mirrors 18 and 19 have a function of changing the focal length (f) according to the deflection angle (θ) of the laser beam LB.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 2, a control unit 4 is disposed inside the full-color printer main body 1, and the control unit 4 includes, for example, an image for performing predetermined image processing on image data. A processing device 30 is provided. The image processing apparatus 30 sequentially outputs image data of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) to the image exposure apparatus 10, and the image exposure apparatus 10 outputs the image data. The four laser beams LB emitted according to the above are scanned and exposed on the respective photosensitive drums 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K to form electrostatic latent images. The electrostatic latent images formed on the photosensitive drums 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K are respectively yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and cyan by developing devices 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. The toner image is developed as a black (K) color toner image.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 2, the paper transport belt unit 3 is provided with a paper transport belt 31 that circulates and moves without a break as an endless belt, and the paper transport belt 31 includes each process cartridge 7Y, Recording paper 37 as a recording medium to which toner images of each color of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) formed by 7M, 7C, and 7K are electrostatically adsorbed It is comprised so that it may convey in the state which carried out. The paper transport belt unit 3 is integrally formed with a transport roll 49 provided in a reversing paper transport path 50 (to be described later). When a jam or the like of the recording paper 37 occurs, the printer body By opening the front cover 32, it is possible to move to a retracted position rotated clockwise with respect to the printer body 1.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the sheet conveying belt 31 is stretched between a driving roll 33 and a driven roll 34 as a stretching roll disposed vertically along a vertical direction with a predetermined tension. For example, a drive roll 33 that is rotationally driven through a gear or the like by a drive motor (not shown) is configured to circulate in a clockwise direction at a predetermined speed. For example, the distance between the driving roll 33 and the driven roll 34 is set to be substantially equal to the length of the A3 size recording sheet 37, but is not limited thereto, and the distance between the driving roll 33 and the driven roll 34 is not limited thereto. Of course, it may be set arbitrarily. As the paper transport belt 31, for example, a flexible synthetic resin film such as polyimide is formed in an endless belt shape.

  Further, on the surface of the driven roll 34, as shown in FIG. 2, a suction roll 36 for electrostatically attracting the recording paper 37 to the surface of the paper transport belt 31 is applied via the paper transport belt 31. It arrange | positions so that it may contact | connect. For example, the suction roll 36 is configured by coating the surface of a metal core bar with conductive rubber, similar to the charging roll 9 of the process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K. A bias voltage for adsorption is applied. The suction roll 36 is configured to electrostatically charge the transfer paper 37 sent from the paper feeding device 6 and suck it onto the surface of the paper transport belt 31.

  Yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) toners formed on the photosensitive drums 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K of the process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K. As shown in FIG. 2, the images are transferred in multiple on the recording paper 37 conveyed while being attracted to the surface of the paper conveying belt 31 while being superimposed on each other by the transfer rolls 38Y, 38M, 38C, and 38K. Is done. The transfer rolls 38Y, 38M, 38C, and 38K are integrally attached to the sheet conveying belt unit 3 side.

  As shown in FIG. 2, the recording sheet 37 is fed from a sheet feeding device 6 disposed at the bottom of the printer body 1. The paper feeding device 6 includes a paper tray 39 that stores recording paper 37 having a desired size and material, and the recording paper 37 having a desired size and material is fed from the paper tray 39 by a feeding roll 40. In addition to being fed, the paper is fed one by one by the supply roll 41 and the separating roll 42, and is conveyed to the suction position on the paper conveyance belt 31 through the registration roll 43 at a predetermined timing. It has become.

  The recording paper 37 is a sheet-like member, for example, various sizes such as A4 size, A3 size, B5 size and B4 size, and thick paper such as plain paper and coated paper, an OHP sheet, etc. Various materials are used.

  Then, as shown in FIG. 2, the recording paper 37 on which the toner images of the respective colors of yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) are transferred in a multiple manner are recorded on the recording paper 37 itself. After being separated from the paper transport belt 31 by the rigidity (so-called stiffness), it is transported to the fixing device 44, and the toner image of each color is fixed on the recording paper 37 by heat and pressure by the fixing device 44. The paper transport belt 31 and the fixing device 44 are disposed close to each other, and the recording paper 37 separated from the fixing device 44 is transported to the fixing device 44 by the transport force of the paper transport belt 31. Thereafter, the recording paper 37 on which the toner images of the respective colors are fixed is discharged by the discharge roll 45 with the print surface facing down on the discharge tray 46 provided on the upper part of the full-color printer main body 1, and the printing operation is completed. To do.

  The full-color printer is capable of printing not only full-color images but also desired color images such as monochrome, and yellow (Y) and magenta (M) depending on the color of the image to be printed. , Cyan (C), black (K), or some of the process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K form a toner image.

  Further, when images are formed on both sides of the recording paper 37 by the full-color printer, the recording paper 37 on which the image is fixed on one side by the fixing device 44 is not directly discharged onto the discharge tray 46 by the discharge roll 45. In the state where the trailing edge of the recording paper 37 is held by the discharging roll 45, the discharging roll 45 is reversed, and the transfer path of the recording paper 37 is switched upward by the switching gate 47 so The paper is transported to a reversing paper transport path 50 having a transport roll 49 provided along the transport path. Then, the recording paper 37 conveyed to the reversing paper conveyance path 50 is conveyed again to the suction position of the paper conveyance belt 31 by the registration roll 43 with the front and back sides reversed, and a toner image is formed on the back surface. After the transfer, the fixing device 44 performs a fixing process with heat and pressure, and the paper is discharged onto a discharge tray 46 provided on the upper portion of the printer main body 1 by a discharge roll 45.

  In FIG. 2, reference numeral 51 denotes a paper feed roll for feeding a transfer material of a desired size and material from a manual feed tray (not shown) provided on the side surface of the printer body 1, and 52 denotes a paper feed roll 51. Each of the conveying rolls for conveying the fed recording medium to the registration roll 43 is shown.

  By the way, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 3, the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K are rotationally driven. The upper first unit 121 having the photosensitive drum 8 and the charging roll 9 and the cleaning device 12, and the lower second unit having the developing device 11 for developing the electrostatic latent image formed on the photosensitive drum 8. Unit 122.

  As shown in FIG. 3, the first unit 121 and the second unit 122 are connected to the photosensitive drum 8 and the developing roll 116 via a fulcrum 123 provided at the end opposite to the photosensitive drum 8. Are connected to each other so as to be swingable in the direction in which they are separated from each other, and are provided at both end portions along the axial direction of the photosensitive drum 8 of the first unit 121 and the developing roll 116 of the second unit 122. The urging means 124 such as a coil spring is urged so as to come into contact with the non-tracking roll.

  The process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K configured as described above are individually provided by opening a front cover 32 that is openable and closable on the front surface of the printer body 1, as shown in FIG. It is configured to be detachable with respect to the printer main body 1, and when the photosensitive drum 8 is deteriorated or when the developer stored in the developing device 11 becomes empty, the process cartridge 7Y, The user can easily perform maintenance by removing it from the printer body 1 every 7M, 7C, and 7K and replacing it with new process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K.

  Further, in the developer accommodating chamber 13 of the developing device 11 of the process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K, as shown in FIGS. 4, 5, and 6, a one-component developer 110 made only of toner or A two-component developer 110 composed of a toner and a carrier is accommodated, and the developer accommodating chamber 13 is agitated with the developer 110 and at the end on the developing device 11 side. Two film-like agitators 112 as a developer agitating member for discharging the developer 110 from the developer discharge port 111 formed at one end in the longitudinal direction of the agent storage chamber 13 are arranged in parallel. .

  As shown in FIG. 6, these two film-like agitators 112 are used for discharging the developer 110 from the developer discharge port 111 while stirring the developer 110 stored in the developer storage chamber 13. A synthetic resin film 112b made of a mylar film or the like is provided so as to protrude toward the outer periphery in the radial direction of the synthetic resin rotating shaft 112a. The synthetic resin film 112b is set to have such a length that the tip thereof is in contact with one side surface from the bottom surface of the developer storage chamber 13, and the developer 110 adheres to the bottom surface and one side surface of the developer storage chamber 13. In this way, the developer 110 is scraped into the developer discharge port 111.

  In addition, the developer 110 transports the developer 110 from the developer accommodating chamber 13 to the developing chamber 113 of the developing device 11 between the developer accommodating chamber 13 and the developing chamber 113 communicating with the developer discharging port 111. An agent transport device 130 is provided.

  In this embodiment, a one-component developer 110 made only of toner is accommodated in the developer accommodating chamber 13, and the developer accommodating chamber 13 is a toner accommodating chamber.

  As shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, a stirring auger 114 that conveys the developer 110 supplied into the developing chamber 113 along the direction of the arrow while being stirred is rotatably disposed in the developing chamber 113. In addition, a supply auger 115 for supplying development to a developing roll 116 as a developer carrying member while agitating and transporting the developer 110 is disposed in parallel with the agitating auger 114. Further, the partition wall 117 provided between the stirring auger 114 and the supply auger 115 has a developer at both end portions along the axial direction of the stirring auger 114 and the supply auger 115 as shown in FIG. Passages 118 and 119 for delivering 110 are provided.

  In the developing device 11, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the layer thickness of the developer 110 supplied to the developing roll 116 by the supply auger 115 is regulated to a predetermined value by the layer thickness regulating roll 120. On the other hand, the photosensitive drum 8 is conveyed to a developing area facing the photosensitive drum 8, and the electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the photosensitive drum 8 is developed with toner of a predetermined color.

  As the developer 110 accommodated in the developing device 11, a two-component developer 110 composed of toner and carrier is used, but a one-component developer composed only of toner may be used. Of course it is good.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 3, the cleaning device 12 removes the transfer residual toner remaining on the surface of the photosensitive drum 8 by the cleaning blade 26, and the removed transfer residual toner is put inside the cleaning device 12. It is comprised so that it may collect | recover and accommodate.

By the way, in this embodiment, a developer containing chamber that contains at least a developer made of toner and has a developer discharge port for discharging the developer,
A film-like developer agitating and conveying member that is rotatably disposed inside the developer containing chamber and discharges the developer contained in the developer containing chamber from the developer discharge port while stirring;
A developer transport member that transports the developer discharged from the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber into the development chamber is provided inside, and is provided at the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber of the developer transport member. At least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding part protrudes from the developer discharge port into the developer storage chamber or is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the developer discharge port on the developer storage chamber side. And a developer transport path forming member.

  In this embodiment, the developer conveying member is set such that the outer diameter of the portion located at the developer discharge port of the developer containing chamber is larger than that of the other portions.

  That is, in this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 6, development is performed between the developing chamber 113 of the developing device 11 and the developer storage chamber 13 that is integrally disposed on the back side of the developing chamber 113. A developer transport device 130 for transporting the developer 110 from the agent storage chamber 13 to the developing chamber 113 is provided. As shown in FIG. 6A, the developer conveying device 130 is a downstream end portion of the stirring auger 114 in the developer conveying direction, and is a developer discharge opening that opens toward the developer containing chamber 13 side. 6 and a cylinder provided with a developer supply port 133 that is open to the developing device 11 side and near the upstream end of the stirring auger 114 in the developer transport direction, as shown in FIG. 6B. Developer transport path forming member 131 formed in a tubular shape, and development that transports developer 110 in the direction opposite to the developer transport direction of agitating auger 114 provided in developer transport path forming member 131 It is comprised from the agent conveyance member 132. FIG.

  As shown in FIG. 4, the developer transport path forming member 131 is provided between the developing chamber 113 and the developer containing chamber 13 integrally disposed on the back side of the developing chamber 113. 113 and a developing device housing integrally formed as the bottom surface of the developer storage chamber 13, and a developer transport path forming member and a partitioning member 134 provided in a state of being fitted to the upper portion of the developing device housing. As described above, it is formed in a cylindrical tubular shape.

  The developer transport path forming member 131 has a developer discharge port for discharging the developer 110 from the developer storage container 13 at one end in the transport direction of the developer transport member 132 on the developer storage chamber 13 side. 111 is formed, and at one end in the transport direction of the transport auger 114 on the developing chamber 113 side, on the other end opposite to the developer discharge port 111, a developer transport path 131 is formed. A developer supply port 133 for supplying the developer conveyed in the interior to the developing device 11 is opened.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 6A, the developer discharge port 111 is opened, for example, on one upper side surface of the developer transport path forming member 131, and the developer supply port 133 is formed in FIG. As shown in b), the developer conveyance path forming member 131 is opened on the side surface or the lower portion thereof.

  On the other hand, as shown in FIG. 7, the developer conveying member 132 is configured by forming conveying blades 136 in a spiral shape at a predetermined pitch on the outer periphery of a rotating shaft 135 formed in a cylindrical shape. The developer 110 discharged from the storage chamber 13 is transported along the developer (toner) transport direction, and is supplied into the developing device 11 from a supply port 133 located in the vicinity of the downstream end in the developer transport direction. Is. Further, at the end of the developer transport member 132 on the downstream side in the developer transport direction, a return transport blade for transporting the developer 110 transported by the developer transport member 132 to the upstream side in the developer transport direction. 137 is shortly provided in a spiral shape opposite to the conveying blade 136.

  Further, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6A, the developer conveying member 132 has an outer diameter at a position 132a corresponding to the developer discharge port 133 of the developer accommodating chamber 113 and other portions. And at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the developer conveying member 132 forms the same surface as the outer peripheral surface of the developer discharge port 133 on the developer storage chamber 113 side, or from the developer discharge port 133. Is also configured to protrude toward the developer storage chamber 113.

  In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 1 and FIG. 6A, a portion 132a corresponding to the developer discharge port 111 of the developer containing chamber 113 of the developer transport member 132 has an outer diameter A other than that. The outer diameter B of the portion located on the downstream side in the developer transport direction is set larger than the outer diameter B of the developer transport member 132 positioned at the developer discharge port 133, and the developer discharge port 133 is entirely covered by the outer peripheral surface 132 a ′. The same surface as the outer peripheral surface of the developer storage chamber 113 is formed.

  In the developer conveying member 132, the outer diameter (diameter) A of the conveying blade 136 provided at a position corresponding to the developer discharge port 111 is in the conveying area corresponding to the other conveying area and the developer supply port 133. It is set larger than the outer diameter (diameter) B of the corresponding supply port. Further, the outer periphery of the developer transport member 132 is covered by the developer transport path forming member 131 over the entire length except for the developer discharge port 111 and the developer supply port 133.

  On the other hand, the developer transport path forming member 131 is formed in a cylindrical shape as described above, and is configured to cover the outer periphery of the developer transport member 132. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the developer transport path forming member 131 has portions corresponding to the transport region portion 131a and the supply port portion 131b of the developer transport member 132 with respect to the developer transport member 132. It is comprised so that it may have a predetermined internal diameter through clearance. Further, as shown in FIG. 7, the developer transport path forming member 131 includes a portion of the developer transport member 132 corresponding to the discharge port 131 c of the developer transport member 132 as illustrated in FIG. 6. A portion that does not face the discharge port 111 along the circumferential direction is configured to have a predetermined inner diameter with respect to the developer conveying member 132 through a predetermined clearance.

  Further, among the portions corresponding to the discharge port portion 132 a of the developer transport member 132, the portion 132 a ′ facing the discharge port 111 along the circumferential direction of the developer transport member 132 is the developer discharge port 133. The same surface as the outer peripheral surface on the developer storage chamber 113 side is formed.

  As a result, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 7, the developer transport path forming member 131 has a transport region portion 131a and a supply port portion of the developer transport member 132 when viewed in a cross section along the developer transport direction. A part corresponding to 131 b is located inside the developer transport path forming member 131, and a part corresponding to the discharge port 131 c of the developer transport member 132 is exposed on the outer peripheral surface of the developer transport path forming member 131. The developer conveying member 132 is configured to form the same surface as the outer peripheral surface.

  However, since the discharge port portion 132a of the developer transport member 132 is formed in a circular cross section, the developer transport path forming member 131 is formed in a cylindrical shape, and therefore the developer transport The discharge port portion 131c of the path forming member 131 is the same as the outer peripheral surface of the developer conveying member 132 when the wall thickness is the same as the thickness of the portion other than the discharge port 111 along the circumferential direction. A surface cannot be formed.

  Therefore, the discharge port portion 131 c of the developer transport forming member 131 gradually increases in thickness along the circumferential direction from the portion other than the discharge port 111 toward the discharge port 111 as shown in FIG. The outer peripheral surface of the discharge port 111 and the outer peripheral surface of the developer conveying member 132 form the same arc-shaped surface at the position of the developer discharge port 111. It is supposed to be.

  Further, the developer transport path forming member 131 has an inner peripheral surface located at the end of the transport region 131a on the developer discharge port 111 side and gradually becomes thinner toward the developer discharge port 111 side. The developer 110 discharged from the developer discharge port 111 is guided to the inside of the developer transport path forming member 131.

  In the above configuration, in the tandem type full-color multi-function peripheral as an image forming apparatus to which the developing device according to the first embodiment is applied, the developer accommodating chamber is not added as follows. Since the developer can be reliably discharged from the developer discharge port to the developer conveying member, and no developer wall is formed at the developer discharge port, the film-like developer stirring and conveying member The developer can be stably supplied by avoiding the developer from adhering to the surface.

  That is, in the full-color printer according to the first embodiment, as shown in FIG. 2, the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K. The toner images of the corresponding colors are formed on the photosensitive drums 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K according to the image data, and the toner images of the respective colors formed on the photosensitive drums 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K are After being transferred onto the recording paper 37 conveyed while being attracted to the surface of the paper conveying belt 31, it is subjected to a fixing process by the fixing device 44 and provided on the upper portion of the printer main body 1 by the discharge roll 45. It is discharged onto the discharge tray 46.

  At this time, the yellow (Y), magenta (M), cyan (C), and black (K) process cartridges 7Y, 7M, 7C, and 7K are formed on the surfaces of the photosensitive drums 8Y, 8M, 8C, and 8K. When developing the electrostatic latent image, the developer 110 in the developing devices 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K is consumed, and the developer containing container 13Y is placed inside the developing devices 11Y, 11M, 11C, and 11K. , 13M, 13C, and 13K, the developer 110 of the corresponding color is transported and supplied by the developer transport device 130.

  In the developer accommodating chambers 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K, as shown in FIGS. 4 and 5, the developer 110 accommodated in the developer accommodating chambers 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K includes two films. And a developer discharge port 111 provided at one end of the developer transport path forming member 131 of the developer transport device 130 by the agitator 112 disposed on the developing device 11 side. Then, the toner is discharged into the developer conveyance path forming member 131.

  At that time, at the developer discharge port 111 of the developer transport path forming member 131, as shown in FIGS. 1 and 6, the outer peripheral surface of the developer discharge port 111 and the outer peripheral surface of the developer transport member 132 are arcuate. Since it is configured to form the same surface, the film-shaped agitator 112 disposed in the developer accommodating chambers 13Y, 13M, 13C, and 13K is conveyed to the developer at the position of the developer discharge port 111. It will be in direct contact with the member 132.

  Therefore, the developer 110 discharged from the developer discharge port 111 by the agitator 112 is reliably discharged into the developer transport path forming member 131 by the developer transport member 132, and the developer transport path forming member 131. The developer is transported to the developer supply port 111 by the developer transport member 132 provided over the interior of the toner, and is supplied from the developer supply port 111 into the developing chamber 113.

  Therefore, in this embodiment, the developer can be reliably discharged from the developer discharge port 111 of the developer storage chamber 13 to the developer transport member 132 without adding a new member. Since the wall of the developer 110 is not formed at the agent discharge port 133, the developer 110 can be stably supplied by the film-like agitator 112.

  The film-like agitator 112 is rotated at the same time when the developing device 11 is driven, and the tip of the agitator 112 always contacts the developer conveying member 132 while the agitator 112 rotates once. In this case, it is possible to stably supply the developer by preventing the toner adhering to the agitator 112 from being deposited and fixed, and preventing the developer from being discharged from the developer discharge port 133 by the agitator 112. It has become.

Embodiment 2
FIG. 8 shows a second embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment. In the second embodiment, the developer conveying member is shown in FIG. The outer diameter of the portion located at the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber is set larger than the other portions, and the outer peripheral surface of the portion positioned at the developer discharge port is on the developer storage chamber side It is comprised so that it may protrude.

  That is, in the second embodiment, as shown in FIG. 8, the developer conveying member 132 is set such that the outer diameter of the portion located in the developer discharge port 111 of the developer containing chamber 13 is larger than the other portions. In addition, the outer peripheral surface of the portion located at the developer discharge port 111 is configured not to be flush with the outer peripheral surface of the developer discharge port 111 but to protrude toward the developer storage chamber 13. The amount of protrusion toward the developer storage chamber 13 is appropriately set.

  Further, in the second embodiment, as shown in the figure, the pitch of the conveying blades 136 of the developer conveying member 132 positioned at the developer discharge port 111 is set smaller than the other portions, and the developer discharging The developer 110 from the outlet 111 can be reliably conveyed.

  In this way, by configuring a part of the developer transport member 132 to protrude toward the developer storage chamber 13 from the developer discharge port 111, the developer transport member 132 is positioned at the developer discharge port 111. The effect of loosening the developer 110 can be obtained, and the developer 110 in the developer storage chamber 13 can be reliably prevented from aggregating at the portion of the developer discharge port 111 to form a wall.

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Embodiment 3
FIG. 9 shows Embodiment 3 of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in Embodiment 1, and in this Embodiment 3, the developer conveying member is The outer diameter of the portion located in the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber is set larger than that of the other portion, and the developer transport path from the end of the portion located in the developer discharge port The diameter is set so as to gradually decrease toward the portion located inside the forming member.

  That is, in the third embodiment, as shown in FIG. 9, among the portions of the developer transport member 132 located at the developer discharge port 111, the vicinity 132d on the downstream side in the developer transport direction is the developer. The taper is set so that the outer diameter gradually decreases toward the downstream side in the transport direction, and is configured to be equal to the outer diameter of the transport portion of the developer transport member 132.

  Along with this, the thickness of the inner surface of the developer transport path forming member is set so as to gradually decrease toward the developer discharge port side, and is constant between the developer transport member 132 and the developer transport member 132. A clearance is formed.

  When configured in this manner, the developer discharged from the developer discharge port can be transported more smoothly toward the downstream side in the developer transport direction.

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Embodiment 4
FIG. 10 shows a fourth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment. In the fourth embodiment, the developer conveying member is shown in FIG. The portion of the developer storage chamber located at the developer discharge port has a larger outer diameter than the other portions and is formed in a drum shape.

  That is, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the cross-sectional shape of the portion located at the developer discharge port 111 of the developer conveying member 132 has the largest outer diameter of the central portion 141, and both end portions 142, It is formed in a so-called drum shape that draws a curved curve so that the outer diameter gradually decreases as it goes to 143.

  Therefore, in the fourth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 10, the developer 110 discharged from the developer discharge port 111 can be smoothly conveyed by the developer conveying member 132 formed in a drum shape, The developer 110 discharged from the developer discharge port 111 can be transported more smoothly toward the downstream side in the developer transport direction.

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

Embodiment 5
11 and 12 show the fifth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same parts as those in the first embodiment. In the fifth embodiment, the developer is described. The conveying member is configured such that a portion positioned at the developer discharge port of the developer containing chamber is arranged to be shifted in the protruding direction toward the developer containing chamber from the other portions.

  In the fifth embodiment, the developer conveying member is made of a flexible material, and the outer diameter thereof is set to be constant along the developer conveying direction.

  That is, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the developer conveying member 132 is integrally formed so as to have a constant outer diameter over the entire length from the rotating shaft 135 and the conveying blade 136 provided on the outer periphery thereof. The developer conveying member 132 is formed by integral molding of an elastically deformable synthetic resin material such as polyethylene, and is configured to have flexibility.

  Further, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the developer transport path forming member 131 is not linear, and the end on the developer discharge port 111 side is different from the previous embodiment. Further, the end portion on the developer supply port 111 side is formed so as to be shifted toward the developing chamber 113 side while being shifted to the developer containing chamber 13 side. In the middle of the developer transport path forming member 131, a curved portion 131e that is curved so as to connect the end portion on the developer discharge port 111 side and the end portion on the developer supply port 133 side is provided. Yes.

  Furthermore, in the fifth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, the developer conveying member 132 has an end portion 132c on the developer discharge port 111 side, following the inner surface shape of the developer conveying path forming member 131 described above. The end 132d on the developer supply port 133 side is rotatably supported while being displaced toward the developer chamber 13 while being rotatably supported on the developer storage chamber 13 side.

  In the developer conveying member 132, a portion 132a corresponding to the developer discharge port 111 forms the same surface as the outer peripheral surface of the developer discharge port 111 on the developer storage chamber 13 side, or the developer discharge port The outlet 111 is configured to protrude toward the developer storage chamber 13. In this embodiment, as shown in FIG. 11, a portion 132 corresponding to the developer discharge port 111 is configured to protrude from the developer discharge port 111 toward the developer storage chamber 13. Yes.

  In such a configuration, it is only necessary to arrange the developer conveying member 132 in a curved shape. Therefore, the developer conveying member 132 can be formed with a constant outer diameter, and the developer conveying member 132 can be manufactured. It becomes easy.

Embodiment 6
FIG. 13 shows a sixth embodiment of the present invention. The same reference numerals are given to the same portions as those in the first embodiment. In the sixth embodiment, the developer conveying member is shown in FIG. The pitch of the conveying blades in the portion located at the developer discharge port of the developer accommodating chamber is set to be smaller than that in the other portions.

  That is, in the sixth embodiment, as shown in FIG. 13, the pitch P1 of the conveying blades 136 formed in the spiral shape of the portion where the developer conveying member 132 is located at the developer discharge port 111 is set to other values. It is set smaller than the pitch P2 of the downstream portion in the developer transport direction. The pitch P1 of the developer discharge port portion 111 of the developer conveying member 132 is set as appropriate. By setting the pitch of the conveying blades 136 to a small value, the developer 110 can be surely applied with a conveying force, thereby developing the developer. This is to prevent the developer 110 discharged from the discharge port 111 from staying in the vicinity of the developer discharge port 111 and reliably transport the developer 110 downstream in the developer transport direction.

  Since other configurations and operations are the same as those of the above-described embodiment, description thereof is omitted.

FIG. 1 is a configuration diagram showing a developer conveying portion of a tandem type full-color multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus to which a developing device according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention is applied. FIG. 2 is an overall configuration diagram showing a tandem type full-color multifunction peripheral as an image forming apparatus according to Embodiment 1 of the present invention. FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing the process cartridge. FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional configuration diagram showing the developing device. FIG. 5 is a perspective configuration diagram showing the developing device. FIG. 6 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the developing device. FIG. 7 is a cross-sectional view showing the main part of the developing device. FIG. 8 is a block diagram showing a developing device according to Embodiment 2 of the present invention. FIG. 9 is a block diagram showing a developing device according to Embodiment 3 of the present invention. 10 is a block diagram showing a developing device according to Embodiment 4 of the present invention. FIG. 11 is a block diagram showing a developing device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. 12 is a block diagram showing a developing device according to Embodiment 5 of the present invention. 13 is a block diagram showing a developing device according to Embodiment 6 of the present invention.

Explanation of symbols

  11: developing device, 13: developer accommodating chamber, 111: developer discharge port, 113: developing chamber, 114: stirring auger, 13: developer conveying path forming member, 132: developer conveying member, 132a: developer conveying The outlet of the member.

Claims (10)

A developer containing chamber containing at least a developer made of toner and having a developer discharge port for discharging the developer;
A film-like developer agitating and conveying member that is rotatably disposed inside the developer containing chamber and discharges the developer contained in the developer containing chamber from the developer discharge port while stirring;
A developer transport member that transports the developer discharged from the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber into the development chamber is provided inside, and is provided at the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber of the developer transport member. At least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the corresponding part protrudes from the developer discharge port into the developer storage chamber or is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the developer discharge port on the developer storage chamber side. A developer transport path forming member;
A developing device comprising: 2. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein an outer diameter of a portion of the developer transport member positioned at a developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber is set larger than that of other portions. The developer conveying member is configured such that an outer diameter of a portion located at a developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber is set larger than other portions, and an end portion of a portion located at the developer discharge port 3. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the diameter is set so that the diameter gradually decreases toward a portion located inside the developer transport path forming member. 2. The developer conveying member is characterized in that a portion located at a developer discharge port of the developer containing chamber has an outer diameter larger than other portions and is formed in a drum shape. 4. The developing device according to any one of items 1 to 3. The developer conveying member is arranged such that a portion of the developer containing chamber located at a developer discharge port is shifted in a protruding direction on the developer containing chamber side from other portions. Item 2. The developing device according to Item 1. The developing device according to claim 5, wherein the developer conveying member is made of a flexible material, and an outer diameter thereof is set to be constant along the developer conveying direction. In the developer conveying member, the gap between the developer conveying member and the inner surface of the developer conveying path forming member is set to be the same in the portion positioned at the developer discharge port of the developer containing chamber and the other portion. The developing device according to claim 1, wherein the developing device is provided. 8. The developer conveying member according to claim 1, wherein a pitch of conveying blades in a portion located at a developer discharge port of the developer containing chamber is set smaller than that in other portions. The developing device according to any one of the above. 2. The developer conveying member has a portion located in a developer discharge port of the developer accommodating chamber in contact with a developer agitating / conveying member disposed in the developer accommodating chamber. The developing device according to claim 8. An image carrier on which an electrostatic latent image corresponding to image information is formed on the surface;
A developer containing chamber containing at least a developer made of toner and having a developer discharge port for discharging the developer;
A film-like developer agitating and conveying member that is rotatably disposed inside the developer containing chamber and discharges the developer contained in the developer containing chamber from the developer discharge port while stirring;
The developer discharged from the developer discharge port of the developer accommodating chamber is transported to a developing chamber in which a developer bearing member for developing an electrostatic latent image formed on the surface of the image bearing member is disposed. A developer transport member is provided inside, and at least a part of the outer peripheral surface of the developer transport member corresponding to the developer discharge port of the developer storage chamber is disposed in the developer storage chamber from the developer discharge port. Or a developer transport path forming member that is flush with the outer peripheral surface of the developer discharge port on the developer storage chamber side,
An image forming apparatus comprising:

Images